Berlusconi 'unaware party girls were paid'

ROME: A businessman who recruited young women to attend parties at Premier Silvio Berlusconi's homes has apologized to the premier for having contributed to a new scandal.

Giampaolo Tarantini also said in a statement late on Saturday that Berlusconi didn't know the expenses were paid, and said he was sorry that something that was meant well had turned into a mess for the premier.

Three women have told Italian newspapers that at Tarantini's invitation they attended parties at the premier's residence last fall and in January.